5 tips for PR agency newbies

You landed a job at a public relations firm. Now what? Here’s some advice from someone who has experienced it.

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Time-management skills

These are imperative. In agency settings, you’ll likely be responsible for handling a multitude of client support projects. Media lists, press releases, fact-sheets, briefings, clip books, and maybe, if you have time, pitching the media.

And you’ll be working with multiple types of clients. No pressure, right?

Here are some suggestions:

• Purchase a good planner;
• Create personalized client spreadsheets. Note important tasks and project due dates.
• Schedule time every day for specific time-sensitive projects. This prioritizes your time and helps meet deadlines.

Team Communication

We all want to please our boss. But, please, please, please—alert your managers if you’re strapped for time or still working on a project.

Timely and direct communication will help you build trusting relationships with your team members. They understand the learning curve, and believe me: they want you to get it right. Ask questions, and if you need more time to prepare, say so.

On that note: Be thorough, and present projects in their best form before submission to managers. Be prepared, though. No matter how superb it is, there is almost always an error, and changes that must be made.

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